Festivities fill The Broadway as Thatcham switches its Christmas lights on
Christmas cheer filled The Broadway this evening as Thatcham kicked off its festivities.
The Christmas lights were switched on tonight at 7pm followed by a variety of seasonal performances.
From choir singing from Kennet School chamber choir, and St. Marys Church Choir to performances from Read Theatre School, KATS, and MF Dance and a blessing by Reverend David Taylor.
Thatcham Mayor John Boyd, accompanied by Santa Clause himself, switched the lights on with three families who have recently arrived to Thatcham from Hong Kong.
“I thought it was an ideal opportunity for us in Thatcham to say welcome to our community,” he said.
“They have chosen Thatcham to stay in and as somebody who has been to Hong Kong and has been made so welcome there I thought it was an ideal opportunity.”
The lights were not the only spectacle of the evening, as they were accompanied by a snow machine and confetti cannons which fell over the excited crowd.
Mr Boyd added: “Tomorrow is going to be another big day, we are going to have lots of entertainment in the Market Place, having lots of entertainment going on.
“We have got children’s entertainers, a funfair for younger children, there’s a lot to be going on”.
Stallholders laced The Broadway below the glowing lights, including Thatcham Rotary Club, The Royal British Legion, St Johns Ambulance, Kennet Radio and many others.
Among them was charity fundraiser Karen DeMonte who was raising money for Newbury Cancer Care.
She said: “It’s great, actually it suddenly became very busy, we have been doing well.
“It’s nice to be face to face with people, obviously people are still being careful, it’s just nice to see familiar faces, that we have not seen in a long time.
“It’s a good feeling.”
Younger people also did their bit, Sara Aboutha from St John's Ambulance held a tombola and lucky dip.
She said: “It’s going good, we have made quite a few sales, and it’s been really nice to see everyone,
“I am hopefully coming back next year, I have just been enjoying seeing the smiles on people’s faces”.
Tomorrow (Saturday) will see more entertainment fill the town from choirs to a performance from Cold Ash Brass, West Berkshire Rock Choir and even Elsa and Ana for fans of Frozen!
There will also be free parking in the Kingsland Centre car park, in support of 'Small Business Saturday'.